Priti Patel has reiterated her call for swift action to address the ongoing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) issue, as it nears its three-year mark, supporting schools within her constituency affected by this issue, including Stanway Fiveways School.
Since precautionary closures were introduced in autumn 2023, Priti has worked closely with affected schools across her constituency to manage the challenges posed by RAAC. This has involved supporting headteachers, staff, pupils and parents, while continuing to press for the investment needed to ensure school buildings are safe and sustainable for the future.
In recent weeks, Priti met with senior leadership Stanway Fiveways School, alongside maintaining regular engagement with other schools within her constituency, and Essex County Council and the Department for Education. These discussions have focused on the progress of remediation works and the next steps required to secure a long-term solution for the school.
These meeting have focused on the essential works are delivered as quickly as possible, while minimising disruption to pupils’ education and upholding high standards of safety and wellbeing for both students and staff at Stanway Fiveways School.
Following these engagements, Priti Patel has written to the Secretary of State for Education seeking greater clarity on timelines, funding commitments and delivery plans affecting RAAC-impacted schools, including Stanway Fiveways School.
Speaking after the meeting, Priti Patel MP said:
“As we near the three-year mark since the RAAC issue emerged, it is vital that schools like Stanway Fiveways have a clear, practical plan for rebuilding and remediation. I have been working closely with the school and local stakeholders to ensure their concerns are fully understood and properly addressed.
The safety and wellbeing of pupils and staff must remain the highest priority, while also ensuring that children’s education is safeguarded and disruption kept to a minimum. I will continue to press the Government to provide the necessary clarity and planning to progress this as quickly as possible.”
